The Eight Wiccan and Pagan sabbats are ancient holidays that modern Witches and Pagans celebrate to this day with feasting, ritual, magic and good company. The dates may vary a little each year, so be sure to check the exact date each time.
Each festival offers a powerful opportunity for the Wiccan magic spells and Pagan rituals best suited to the season. Many Wiccans and Pagans choose to begin the celebration of these holidays at sundown the day before the dates given below.
Wiccan and Pagan Sabbats and the Seasons
Each of these key points on the Wheel of the year has its own special atmosphere thanks to the intimate link between Wicca and Paganism with the natural world and her seasons. The dates of the sabbats are reversed in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to reflect this close association between the Wiccan faith and the seasons. Some Wiccans and Pagans slightly alter the dates of some sabbats; this occurs on the Sabbat of Imbolc which marks the return of Spring, to reflect local seasonal variations.
The Sabbat of Imbolc
Imbolc is celebrated 2 February 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere and 1 August 2011 in the Southern Hemisphere. Imbolc is a time of renewal and celebration for the Wiccan and Pagan community. Celebrate the return of spring with these Imbolc Spells and Rituals.
The Sabbat of Ostara at the Spring Equinox
Ostara, sometimes known as the Wiccan Easter, takes place 20 March 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere, and 23 September 2011 in the South. Ostara is a time of growth symbolized by the Spring Hare.
The Sabbat of Beltane
Occurring on 1 May 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere and 1 November 2011 in the Southern Hemisphere, Beltane is a festival of fertility symbolized by the union of the God and Goddess. Fires, socializing and being in nature are all fitting celebrations at this time.
The Sabbat of Litha at the Summer Solstice
Litha, or the Summer Solstice falls on 21 June 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere and 22 December in the Southern Hemisphere. The Pagan and Wiccan Festival of Litha is an important point in the Wheel of the Year, a time for celebration of the abundance of summer, as well as being a time to prepare for the darkening to come.
The Sabbat of Lughnasadh or Lammas
Lughnasadh or Lammas falls on 1 August 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere, and 2 February in the Southern Hemisphere. The Celtic Festival of Lughnasadh or Lammas celebrates the fertility of the harvest while offering Wiccans and Pagans the opportunity to initiate change in their lives.
The Sabbat of Mabon at the Fall Equinox
The Autumn Equinox festival of Mabon is 23 September (Northern Hemisphere) and 20 March (Southern Hemisphere). The Sabbat of Mabon is time of harmony marking the beginning of the turning within for inner spiritual work over the winter.
The Sabbat of Samhain
The day of Samhain is 1 November 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere, 1 May in the Southern Hemisphere, however the Wiccan celebrations of Samhain often begin a sundown on the day before these dates. Samhain is a wonderful time for magic and ritual alongside the more familiar celebrations of Halloween.
The Sabbat of Yule at the Winter Solstice
The Sabbat of Yule falls on the Winter solstice on 22 December 2011 in the Northern Hemisphere, and on 21 June in the Southern Hemisphere. Wiccans choose what to take with them into the New Year, and what to leave behind at the evocative and magical festival of Yule, the Winter Solstice Wicca and Pagan Festival.
Pagan and Wiccans intuitively feel the significance of each of these sabbats. At each festival, they enjoy the link with nature celebrated by maintaining traditions and rites that date from the dawn of humanity.
